Jonathan Humphreys will make a sensational return to international rugby as Wales captain against England in the RBS Six Nations Championship on Saturday.

The Bath hooker was not even in the 32-man squad at the start of the tournament, but has been put in charge of Saturday's team to face England in Cardiff.

He last led Wales six years ago, in March 1997, coincidentally against England, and will replace Pontypridd's Mefin Davies in the No 2 shirt.

Jonathan Humphreys Factfile

1969: Born Bridgend, 27 February.

1989: Joins Cardiff RFC.

1995: Makes Wales debut v New Zealand in World Cup match; appointed captain after tournament.

1997: Replaced as skipper after 17 matches (six wins).

1999: Wins last of 33 caps in World Cup match v Japan.

2002: Leaves Cardiff for Bath RFC.

2003: Makes shock return to Wales side as captain.

Humphreys, who celebrates his 34th birthday a week on Thursday, is believed to have accepted leadership duties following a meeting with Wales coach Steve Hansen in Cardiff earlier on Wednesday.

"It is a huge surprise," said Humphreys.

"It is something that you would never, ever turn down, but this is definitely
not long-term. I see it as helping out, and I am more than happy to do so.

"It is all a bit surreal, but if you look at the hooking situation then there
are an unusual number of injuries and there are a lot of people who would have
been picked ahead of me - I am the first to admit that."

Humphreys' appointment means the demotion of Colin Charvis, with the Swansea back-row forward also losing his starting place.

Charvis has been under pressure to remain as skipper following Wales' shock 30-22 defeat against Italy in Rome last weekend, having captained his country eight times.